In 2023 the Nedbank Affinity Programme concluded another year of impactful initiatives, supporting diverse environmental and community causes. This bold endeavour is a catalyst for positive change, championing local causes and empowering communities, leaving an indelible mark on the nation.
"Our Affinity Programme reflects our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve, fostering a positive and sustainable impact on both environmental and societal fronts," says Poovi Pillay, Nedbank's Executive Head of Strategy and Corporate Social Investment.
Nurturing children's futures and continuing a legacy
The Nedbank Children's Affinity Programme continued its legacy of impact, aligning with the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund's theme: Gone but not forgotten – legacy in action. This highlights the fund's global advocacy for children's rights and well-being.
With over R135 million donated since 2005, the programme nurtures children’s futures through a children's fun walk and an iNdaba, which is aimed at inspiring innovative solutions and collective action. The annual walk at the Joburg Zoo symbolises walking in Mandela's footsteps, spreading joy, and celebrating children. Also, in commemoration of the former president's passing, the Children's Dialogue in December 2023 emphasised the importance of engaging children in decisions that affect them, aligning with the commitment of the fund and programme to protect and improve the well-being of SA's children.
Using arts as a canvas for inspiration, creativity, and fulfilling dreams
In collaboration with the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), Nedbank once again celebrated the transformative force of creativity by uplifting up-and-coming artists in SA communities.
The Nedbank Arts Affinity Programme vividly demonstrated the ability of art to break barriers and cultivate a shared sense of upliftment through the sponsorship of the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme. The talent of 15 exceptional finalists was showcased at the Nyoloha Scholarship Awards. Visual artist Azanda Nyangintsimbi and performing artist Naledi Lebelo were awarded full scholarships valued at R350 000 each to pursue an arts degree at their chosen South African institutions.
The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme, which fosters opportunities for school leavers in visual and performing arts, is a testament to Nedbank’s ongoing partnership with the ACT to see South Africa's young people fulfil their dreams.
Sowing seeds in Matatiele for a sustainable tomorrow
The WWF Nedbank Green Trust, co-founded by Nedbank and WWF SA in 1990, is a driving force in nature conservation and a testament to a longstanding and fruitful collaboration. The Nedbank Green Affinity, established to champion community-based conservation programmes, raised over R368 million to support more than 200 vital conservation projects.
Nedbank brought the conservation work done in collaboration with Environmental and Rural Solutions and LIMA Rural Development closer to its audience in Matatiele to help them understand the positive impact of these projects. The sustainability endeavours, which are a paragon of good land stewardship and environment leadership, showed that rural communities can be better places to live when government, businesses and non-profit organisations work together to preserve natural resources. This initiative, aligned with the 10th anniversary of the Umzimvubu Catchment partnership, demonstrated the power of community-led conservation that enabled the safeguarding of 49 200 hectares of land in Matatiele. The WWF Nedbank Green Trust, nourished by the Green Affinity, stands as a beacon of collective action in nurturing and sustaining South Africa’s rich ecological tapestry.
Building champions on and off the field
As a co-founder of the Sports Trust, Nedbank’s mission is to cultivate champions both on and off the field. As a staunch supporter of local sports, Nedbank actively participated in events such as the Piketberg Mountain Bike Challenge and championed infrastructural growth as exemplified by the erection of the Pitso Mosimane Multipurpose Sports Court at Lofentse Girls' High School.
Nedbank also extended its commitment to aspiring golfers, offering a transformative experience at the Nedbank Golf Challenge. These initiatives underscore Nedbank's dedication to fostering cycling, golf, and soccer development, emphasising infinite possibilities for all, regardless of their background.
In doing so, Nedbank's Sports Affinity programme remains unwavering in its objective to provide continuous support and resources, shaping the next generation of athletes and instilling the belief that sporting excellence knows no boundaries.
Becoming part of positive change
As a bank that is highly involved in the communities in which it operates, Nedbank will help you support a worthy cause close to you heart – at no cost to you. Through the Nedbank Affinity Programme you can choose to support the development of the arts, the preservation and conservation of the environment, sports development, or the well-being of the children of Southern Africa. Simply open a Nedbank Affinity-linked investment account.
You can also donate your Greenbacks to a Nedbank Affinity of your choice on the Nedbank Money app.
Visit any Nedbank branch, call the Nedbank Contact Centre on 0860 555 111 or click here for more information.
The post and content is sponsored, written and provided by the Nedbank Affinity Programme.